The umbrella organisation working to support Worcester’s city centre traders is throwing its support behind next summer’s penguin parade through the city.
The Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) is joining the great Waddle of Worcester as Community and Education Partner, helping raise awareness of and driving visitors to the trail which will weave through city centre shopping areas and public spaces.
The organisation, which works to improve trading conditions for businesses who contribute a BID levy, will also have its own penguin sculpture ‘Spirit’ included on the trail. Reflecting the caring nature of trail organisers, St Richard’s Hospice, Spirit is one of two sculptures painted ahead of the event by Birmingham-based artist Jess Perrin.
Sam McCarthy, Chief Executive of Worcester BID, said: “Here at Worcester BID, we couldn’t be prouder to be the official Community and Education Partner for the summer 2024 art trail. Following in the footsteps of giraffes and elephants, we welcome penguins to our wonderful city and with them trail goers of all ages from near and far.
“We’ve seen already how being involved in the trail boosts morale across the city and county, including all the schools who get to showcase their artistic talent by designing and decorating a baby sculpture.”
The art trail begins on Monday, 22 July and runs for eight weeks until Sunday, 15 September. Forty large fibreglass penguin sculptures will bring Worcester’s streets and public spaces to life to form an interactive art trail.
There will also be a collection of 40 penguin chick sculptures, decorated by schools and community groups, displayed through city shop windows and Crowngate Shopping Centre.
The great Waddle of Worcester is a Wild in Art event brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospicein its fortieth year caring for patients and loved ones.
Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to have Worcester BID on board, supporting our hospice huddle once again.
“Our previous two trails brought measurable benefits to the economy, tourist industry, arts scene and more locally and we look forward to bringing that same wow factor to Worcester once again.”
Once the trail has ended, the large penguin sculptures will be auctioned to raise money towards the free care that St Richard’s provide to patients with a serious progressive illness and their loved ones.
More on the trail’s Community and Education Programme will be released in the coming months. In the meantime, schools and community groups can register their interest in adopting a baby penguin via our Schools page.
Forty large penguins will be designed by artists and selected by sponsors to appear along the six-mile route. To register interest as an artist visit our Artist page.
You can follow the great Waddle of Worcester on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The great Waddle of Worcester is supported by Presenting Partners; Crowngate, DRPG, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire Ambassadors, Community and Education Partner; Worcester BID and Media Partners; the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.
Join the huddle
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, call Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager, on 01905 763963, or email [email protected]
Find out more